EDITORIAL: Lamar should not jump on beer bandwagon

By Enterprise editorial staff

Published 4:00 am, Monday, August 25, 2014

There's a small but growing trend in college sports that Lamar University should stay away from - selling beer to fans at games.

Most universities don't allow it - though alcohol may be permitted in premium seating areas, which is OK. Only 21 college football stadiums allow beer sales for all fans, but that's twice as many as five years ago.

The reason, not surprisingly, is money. The beer is sold at a profit, of course. It's also considered by some analysts as another way to lure fans to stadiums and arenas when they're increasingly inclined to remain in the comfort of their own homes watching sports on high-definition big-screen TVs. Or go to sports bars.

But for every fan this change might lure, it would alienate some others. If college stadiums allow drinking, it's inevitable that some fans will drink too much and get obnoxious - or violent. And since many college students are under 21, it would be very easy for older students to buy it and bring it to younger students at the games. Policing that activity in a large crowd is virtually impossible.

Let's be honest. Beer drinking occurs when tailgating happens. But it's outside the stadium at least. And just because beer drinking is allowed at stadiums with professional teams doesn't mean it has to be allowed at college events too. Booze has also caused major problems at some pro games.

A few weeks ago we argued against alcohol sales at gun shows for the same reason. You simply don't have to have a cold one in your hand at every public event. It's just not appropriate or necessary at every venue, even if somebody thinks he can make a couple of bucks off it.

College sports has a different vibe than pro sports in many ways. The distinction is worth preserving.